If M’s want to make splash, USS Mariner suggests Upton

By most accounts, the Mariners won’t be dropping big money or trading big prospects this offseason.

They more likely will approach 2011 as a season for improvement. A season for young players such as Michael Pineda, Justin Smoak and maybe Dustin Ackley to show what they can do over the course of a full season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks appear serious about moving the young outfielder, and the Mariners surely would have some competition. But if they are serious – and by serious, Cameron means packaging one of the aforementioned young players in a trade – Upton could be their chance.

Check out Cameron’s analysis of how Upton would fare in Safeco Field and what the future might hold for the 23-year-old slugger here.

Cameron doesn’t say the Mariners should chase Upton, he’s just putting it out there as an option.